St. Catherines approves consultant for City/Brock study

St. Catherines City Council approved the hiring of a consultant to undertake a Program, Site and Facility Management Feasibility Study for a Cultural and Academic Development in Downtown St. Catharines. Levitt Goodman Architects lead a team made up of members from multiple firms, including Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts and Urban Strategies.

The objectives of the study include assessing the potential of moving Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts into downtown St. Catharines, as well as partnering with the University’s Centre for the Arts to create an integrated arts facility that will include programming from local arts groups and events. The study will develop an Artistic Program Plan, make recommendations for site selection, establish a business plan for operations and measure the economic impact of the development.

Selection Criteria for the process included understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, appropriate methodology for the project, demonstrated ability of the team to undertake the work, and relevant experience and qualifications. The Levitt Goodman team’s bid of $250,000 matches the budget available for the study. Funds for the project are from three sources, including $100,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade; a $75,000 contribution from Brock University; and $75,000 from the cultural services budget at the City. Work on the study is expected to begin in the first week of February.